Mizoram Village Revives Historic Music Festival After Eighty Years

Serkawn village in Mizoram's Lunglei district has brought back a historic music festival eighty years after it stopped due to the Second World War. Located about 175 kilometres south of Aizawl, the village originally held the Serkawn Contest between 1932 and 1946 to showcase local musical talent in the former Lushai Hills. The event skipped a year in 1942 because of the war and ended completely four years later due to the global economic fallout. The revived event took place from November 11 to 13 as the Leitlangpui Music Festival. The Union Ministry of Tourism and the Mizoram Tourism Department organised the festival alongside official partner Bbyanimals. Mizoram Tourism Minister Lalnghinghlova Hmar said the festival reconnects generations with local heritage and opens new possibilities for young artists and local businesses. He noted that the festival featured commercial stalls, food vendors, traditional handlooms, handicrafts, and fashion displays alongside musical acts. The music lineup featured Deborah Ralte, C.T. Tluangtea, Benjamin Sum, Fenga, Sangtei Khuptong, David Darlong, Lil Kiki, Evenflow, Swordtune, Avora Records, Knot, RNZX, Dingtea Guite, Saka, Serkawn Band, Rokhumbeu, Johan, Your Sweetest Memories, Ruatpuii, and Triautrackx. Mizoram recorded 7.37 lakh tourists between January and September 2026, marking an increase of 2.236 lakh visitors compared to the same period in the previous year. Total tourist arrivals for the previous year reached 8.41 lakh. Minister Hmar announced several upcoming cultural events to boost tourism further. These include the Tlaizawng Festival at Phuaibuang on December 17 and 18, the Sakawrhmuituai Tlang Sunset Event on December 30 and 31, and the Darzo Masquerade Parade in Hnahthial district's Darzo village. The Darzo parade, also called the Chepa Lem Procession, features participants dressed as mythological spirits and takes place during the first week of January.

Context

Cultural and music festivals play a key role in boosting local economies and drawing travellers to northeastern states like Mizoram. State tourism departments frequently partner with the central government to promote such heritage events and expand winter tourism. This strategy helps create jobs for local artisans, food vendors, and young performers while highlighting indigenous traditions.